SIALKOT, Aug 31: British deputy high commissioner and investment director, Karachi, Hamish Daniel, has said that political and economic stability is developing rapidly in Pakistan and his government has decided to foster trade ties between the two countries on a priority basis.

He was speaking at a meeting of local industrialists and exporters at Sialkot Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) here on Thursday after visiting leading industrial units in the city.

He was accompanied by a trade mission from Birmingham Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Head of international trade Mr Jonathan Webber and Indian-Pakistan trade unit manager of Birmingham chamber Mrs Rupi Nandra, SCCI president Dr Nouman Idrees Butt and SVP Faisal Mehmood Khan were also present on this occasion.

Mr Daniel said the UK government wanted to increase trade volume between the two countries.

“There are bright chances to make joint ventures between the British and Pakistani business communities in various sectors.”

He agreed with the SCCI proposal of regular exchange of delegations and advanced trade information between Sialkot and Birmingham chambers.

On this occasion, SCCI chief Dr Nouman Idrees Butt said overseas Pakistani were actively involved in economic development of Britain.

He said a major bottleneck in promotion of trade ties was lack of timely information to business communities about trade opportunities and suggested active coordination between chambers of both the countries.

Dr Nouman said the UK market had an enormous demand for world class export items produced in Sialkot.

“We need access to the UK and European Union markets which will have a stimulating effect on our exports.”